05Nov Sony SLTA99V Alpha A99, Almost perfect.
Imagine if I asked you what features you’d like to see in a new full frame DSLR for both video and stills use. For me it would probably be higher frame rates (stills and video), view finder in video mode, clean hdmi out, and better auto focus. Add to that full time auto focus in video mode, optional XLR input adapter, dual SD card slots, in camera image stabilization and a couple of other decent improvements (like a real hot shoe) and you have the Sony A99. Apparently Sony’s been listening.
The Sony A99 is also about $500 less then Canon’s 5d mark III which puts it in an interesting spot. However there are a few things about this camera that raise flags. The first thing is that Sony’s translucent mirror technology reduces the amount of light reaching the sensor. From the test images I’ve seen so far, this seems to reduce the A99‘s low light performance compared to other full frame cameras. Next up is that the 105 point AF system only works with select Sony lenses and even when it is working the AF points are cluster very close to the center of the image. If you don’t have one of the supported Sony lenses you really only have 19 points of AF to work with which are also clustered around the center of the frame.
The Biggest issue for me however is the lens selection. Right now there just aren’t that many lenses to choose from for this mount, sure you have a few basic zooms and a couple of primes but that’s about it. You’ll have to look into third party glass if you want to expand your options.
It’s also hard for me to consider switching brands when I have such a large lens investment. Yes I know I could use some kind of adapter for Canon mount lens, but that’s just another chance for something to go bad. Don’t get me wrong, the Sony A99 is definitely a step in the right direction and depending on your needs it could be a very reasonable choice. If Sony could just improve the low light performance a bit more and release a wider selection of lenses I think this camera would really take off.
If you’re just moving into full frame cameras, and only need a couple of zoom lenses the Sony A99 looks like a great buy. If you’re looking for a large selection of primes that take advantage of all of the advanced features you might be disappointed. Two more things to fix and this camera would be perfect.
November 6th, 2012 at 1:51 am
I agree with you in that this camera has a lot going for it. In a few years, I bet the photo/video landscape will be changed as a result. But for now it’s hard to justify switching over. The new Sony camcorders on the other hand are looking a lot more tempting.
November 6th, 2012 at 5:40 am
Agreed. Sony’s been releasing better and better video cameras over the last few years and the price keeps dropping. It seems as though Sony and Panasonic are pushing innovation forward, hopefully (but doubt full) Canon will catch up.
November 8th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
I am surprised you haven’t made any post regarding the newly announced Panasonic GH3. It has a lot of things this camera has, minus the full-frame sensor obviously, at a much lower cost.
November 9th, 2012 at 6:19 am
I’ve been waiting to comment on the GH3 until there is a final release of the firmware. Panasonic is still testing and hasn’t quit settled on what the firmware will allow the camera to do.
November 15th, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Sony have many CZ Lens! 35, 50, 85 1.4……… 135 2.8…. and distagon 24mm 2.0…. YOu will need more?
November 15th, 2012 at 6:36 pm
No 24mm f1.4, 50mm f1.2, 85mm f1.2, and the CZ zooms are almost double canon’s pricing. I will say that the 135mm f1.8 looks like a sweet peace of glass. But you’re right if you count the CZ premium price glass, the selection looks better, although that falls into the “You’ll have to look into third party glass” category for me.
January 31st, 2013 at 9:06 pm
Sony has plenty of lens (primes too), normal, G-series as well as CZ. And lots of cool old Minolta glass! Just got my a99 and love it! Paired with a CZ 24-70 2.8, it is a dream! Got rid of my FF Canon and all my L-glass. Love the Sony tech! =]
February 2nd, 2013 at 8:04 pm
How’s the low light?